Frequently Asked Questions

What Field Dimensions does Thunder use?

Division	Home Plate to First or Third Base	Home Plate to Pitcher’s Rubber	Home Plate to Second Base
Timbit Coach Pitch	50’	22’	70’ 8”
9u	65’*	44’	91’ 11”
11u	65’	44’	91’ 11”
13u	75’	50’	106’ 1”
15u & above	90’	60’ 6”	127’ 3”

What is the Thunder House League Batting Helmet Rule?

1.4 Batting Helmets

The on‑deck batter, batter, base runners, and batboy/batgirl must wear a protective helmet with dual ear flaps.
Chinstraps and C‑Flaps are optional at all ages.
KTBA does not supply batting helmets.

What is the Thunder House League Rule for Shoes?

1.6 Cleats

Metal or hard plastic cleats are not permitted.
Molded rubber or turf shoes are allowed.
All players, coaches, and parent volunteers must wear closed‑toe footwear on the field.
If a player is found wearing illegal shoes, they must change immediately.
- No further penalty applies.

How to select a glove?

Choosing the right glove is crucial for fielding success. The ideal glove size depends on your position and age group. Let’s break it down:

Age	Catcher	First Base	Second Base/Short Stop	Third Base	Pitcher	Outfield
Under 7	29.5 - 30"	11.5"	8 - 10.5"	8 - 10.5"	8 - 10.5"	9 - 10.5"
8 - 10	30 - 31"	11.5 - 12"	10.5 - 11.25"	10.5 - 11.5"	10.5 - 11.5"	10 - 12"
11 - 13	30 - 32.5"	11.5 - 12"	11 - 11.5"	11 - 11.75"	11.5 - 12"	11.75 - 12.75"
Over 14	32 - 34.5"	12 - 13"	11.25 - 11.5"	11.5 - 12"	11.5 - 12"	12 - 13"

Remember to measure your glove properly. Look for the size etched in the leather on the thumb or pinky finger. If not labeled, measure from the top of the index finger down along the glove to the center of the heel. Now you’re all set to find the perfect glove for your game!

How to select a bat?

Selecting the right baseball bat is essential for optimal performance. Here are some steps to guide you in choosing the perfect bat:

Assess Your Strength and Hitting Technique:
- Consider your physical strength and hitting style. A lighter bat allows for quicker swings, while a heavier bat provides more power.
- Test different bats to feel their swing weight and determine what feels natural for you.
Measure for Proper Bat Length:
- Chest to Fingertips: Extend your arm horizontally, parallel to the ground. Measure from the center of your chest to the end of your fingertips. This measurement helps find the right bat length.
- Height: Rest the knob of the bat in the center of your palm while standing. The head of the bat should just touch the floor.
- Arm Length: Place the handle of the bat in the center of your chest. Extend the bat forward; if your arm can reach the barrel, the bat is an appropriate length.
Understand Bat Drop:
- Bat drop indicates the weight of the bat relative to its length. For example, a 30-inch bat with a -10 drop weighs 20 ounces.
- Higher bat drop numbers mean lighter bat weights. Choose a drop that suits your swing style.

Remember, the right bat can significantly impact your game. Take your time, try different options, and choose one that feels comfortable and suits your playing style!

Thunder House League Bat Rule:

1.3 Bats

1.3.1 Wooden Bats

All players may use their own wooden bats, subject to the Official Rules of Baseball.

1.3.2 Timbits & Coach Pitch

Players may use their own aluminum alloy bats.
Bats must be:
- Clearly marked as T‑Ball, or
- Approved by the KTBA Equipment Manager.

1.3.3 9U to High School

Players may use aluminum alloy bats that meet all of the following requirements:

Marked as a baseball bat
Approved for use in a North American youth baseball league
BESR, BBCOR, or BPF 1.15 or less
Approved by the KTBA Equipment Manager

Softball bats are illegal in all divisions.

1.3.4 Additional Requirements (14U & High School)

Aluminum alloy bats must display the manufacturer’s original weight‑drop marking (length‑weight differential).
Weight‑drop must comply with Baseball Ontario rules.

1.3.5 Illegal Bats

Broken or cracked bats and softball bats are prohibited in all games and practices.

Baseball Ontario Rep Bat Rules (P2-5)

The maximum legal diameter for bats shall be 2 3/4".

Subject to the following, in addition to wooden bats, metal bats shall be allowed in Rep play.

For all 12U and 13U play, metal bats with (i) a 1.15 BPF (Bat Performance Factor) or (ii) USA Baseball Model is permitted. For this division using up to a minus 10 length/weight differential is permitted.

For 14U and 15U play, wood bats and non-wood bats may be used. Only non-wood bats with a length-to-weight differential of -5 or less are permitted.

For all levels of play 16U and above, only wood, wood composite, and wood-like material bats are permitted. Wood composite bats include wood or bamboo bats with fiberglass sheathing and wood-barrelled bats with composite handles. Wood composite bats do not include any bat that has any metallic component.

Baseball Ontario Select Bat Rules (SP 8.2)

18U & 22U levels will use wood or wood composite bats only.

In 15U minus 5 aluminum bats are allowed. Bat Barrels are limited to 2¾ inches. No other restrictions are in effect.

Where metal bats are permitted, Baseball Ontario allows the use of BESR certified bats and BBCOR certified bats in Baseball Ontario play, and to accept the NCAA's list of BBCOR certified bats and the NFHS’s list of BESR certified bats, with the understanding the lists may be modified from time to time. Solid wood bats are always approved for Baseball Ontario play. For the purposes of the OBA Bat Rule, bamboo bats are wood bats; and composite wood bats are wood bats. Metal/wood bats are not considered wood bats and cannot be used at 14U and above. Hollow aluminum alloy bats (Class A in the lists) are only allowed for Baseball Ontario play at 13U and below.

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Kingston Thunder Baseball Association